Maroccan food, do we really need to say more?! Marrakesh is just the place where you need to be for authentic Moroccan food. From fragrant tagine dishes to flavorful couscous, everywhere in this city you can find mouthwatering delights. The Medina is lined with food stalls but what to choose? That is why you need to take a food tour in Marrakesh. It is an opportunity to not only enjoy the food but also learn more about Moroccan culture. Let’s take a look at the options.
1. Types of Tours
There are different types of Food tours in Marrakesh all with a differect experiences. You can try street food or eat at traditional restaurants. Take a private trip or maybe you like a group tour. Guides will show you the city and teach you about the food, it’s history and culture. We have made a list of different types of tours.
1.1 Traditional Moroccan Food Tour
A traditional Moroccan food tour includes Tagjine dishes, Couscous dishes and the best Moroccan pastries favorites. The flavors and ingredients reflect the rich food heritage of Marrakesh. These small group tours also often include visits to the spice souks and markets. Here you smell, taste and learn more about the various spices and ingredients that are the foundation of Moroccan Cuisine.
If you like to go all out maybe a traditional cooking class is something for you!
1.2 Street Food Tour
If you like to explore the street food scene in Marrakesh, take a Street food tour. You will enjoy refreshing, freshly squeezed juices, have some flavorful olives or if you are adventurous, some snails. Most of the time is also includes the traditional Moroccan soup, Harira. Make sure to book in advance if you like to join a tour like this.
1.3 Private Guided Tours
If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, a private guided food tour is the way to go. These tours offer exclusive experiences, allowing you to enjoy the rich flavours and traditions of Moroccan cuisine with the help of a Tour Guide.
1.4 Self-Guided Tours
Do it yourself! With self-guided tours, you have the freedom to just discover hidden food stalls and local eateries. It is a more flexible way to enjoy food in your own time. To make it a bit easy for you here you can find some inspiration.
2. Popular Dishes & Ingredients in Maroccan Cuisine
Marrakesh cuisine is all about aromatic spices, flavorful ingredients to create the best dishes. That is why the city’s culinary scene is known for its bold flavors and unique combinations. We can only say make sure to taste the best street food at Jemaa el-Fnaa square and visit great restaurants. Let’s have a look at some off these popular dishes and ingredients.
2.1 Tagine & Couscous Dishes
Tagine and couscous are essential in Moroccan cuisine, you cannot skip this! Traditional tagine dishes are cooked in a cone-shaped clay pot, which intensify the flavors and allows the ingredients to meld together. They come in a variety of flavors and combinations. From meat-based options like beef or lamb with prunes and almonds, to vegetarian options like vegetable tagine with chickpeas. It’s all so Yummmy 😉
Similarly, couscous dishes are a tradition. The couscous itself is made from semolina and serves as a base for a variety of toppings such as tender meats, vegetables and aromatic spices. This dish is typically prepared in a couscoussier, a special double-chambered pot that allows the steam to cook the couscous while the ingredients in the upper chamber are slowly simmered.
2.2 Spices & Sauces.
Moroccan spices are an important part in every dish. I absolutely love Ras el Hanout. This is mostly a unique blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, and saffron and is just perfect for tagines, couscous, and grilled meats.
Maroccan sauces like Harissa are there to add a Spicy kick to the dish. It is a chili paste made from red peppers, garlic, and spice sand is often served alongside couscous or kebabs.
2.3 Pastries & Desserts
No Moroccan meal would be complete without a selection of pastries and desserts. Sweet treats hold a special place in Moroccan tradition, symbolizing hospitality and celebration.
When it comes to Moroccan pastries, take a Chebakia. These delicate flower-shaped cookies are made from a blend of honey, rose water, sesame seeds, and spices before being deep-fried to golden perfection. Do we need to say more?
For a refreshing dessert, I recommend a slice of orange sprinkled with cinnamon. This simple dessert combines the natural sweetness of oranges with the warm and aromatic fflavours of cinnamon. It’s a perfect ending to a meal on a hot Summer night.
